Citation

Mehler-Wex C, Warnke A. MMW Fortschr. Med. 2006; 148(10): 37-39.

Vernacular Title

Mein Gesicht ist eine Fratze!

Affiliation

Klinik u Poliklinik für Kinder- u Jugendpsychiatrie u Psychotherapie, Würzburg. mehler@kjp.uni-wuerzburg.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Urban and Vogel)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16612948

Abstract

In the ICD-10 classification, the body dysmorphophobic (dysmorphic) disorder is subsumed under the code for somatoform or hypochondriacal disorders (F45.2). To the fore is an excessive preoccupation with an imagined, but not objectifiable, bodily defect, usually affecting a part of the body that is either exposed or considered to be of importance for the patient's attractiveness. In many cases, the patient insistently demands surgical correction. During the further course of the condition, depression, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive and self-destructive behavior may develop. The condition usually begins early in the patient's life, and the lifetime prevalence is estimated to be 5%. Since an involvement of the serotonergic system is assumed, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are considered to be the medication of first choice. Surgical interventions do not lead to remission but simply to a transference of symptoms. Referral to a psychiatric specialist with the aim of clarifying the diagnosis is indicated.

Language: de